Today we’d like to introduce you to Carissa Mitchell.
Hi Carissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in the transitional era of technology, meeting expressiveness truly shaped my persona. Celebrities such as Beyoncé and Tyra Banks raised me. I was the little girl watching seasons of America’s Next Top Model and performing an entire routine to Single Ladies for friends and family. Never camera shy, you would always see me acting, dancing, or singing to reach for the spotlight. In 2016 my dad joined the photo and cinematography industry with his companies “Simply in Focus” and “Nicolai Mitchell” Photography, where I decided that I wanted to be his main model and assistant. Ever since then, I’ve studied, practiced, and pursued the fashion and photo world. Even though I am short, I strive to break social norms with my Afro-Caribbean heritage in order to eventually be put on the runway.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I am young, so starting up my career and being consistent has been difficult with school. I am an AP student and I am involved in many extracurricular activities meaning that my weekends aren’t always available either. Outside of the media world, I strived to be a scholar and recognized for black excellence, as I like to call it. Promotion is also difficult since my parents are essentially my managers. They are very particular with who I can and cannot work with.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My line of work is in creating concepts with my mind and matching them with my surroundings. Houston has many beautiful areas, old and new. When I find a unique location I mentally mark it as a spot to take pictures. I then think of ways that I can use objects in that area as either props or in the background. If I am with someone, I may position and pose them as if they were me to see if what I am imagining will work for me or one of my dad’s clients. I’d like to say that I have a gift for finding aesthetics, so putting outfits together and finding symmetry based on body type, tone, and the overall theme is my specialty.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Music is my segue, so in turn, it aids my success rate. I feel that I’m experienced in every genre, but Christian Contemporary and R&B are what I know best. Spotify and Musi are apps that I rely on heavily for the perfect mix. Pinterest not only gives me wonderful words of affirmation to think on, but it is also the inspiration central for my ideal lifestyle and what I wear. On Tiktok, I love watching and listening to influencers such as Elijah Lamb, Wisdm, Yasmin Bragotto, and Marsai Martin. Being able to detox and think within bubble is a must in my day-to-day life.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Nicolai Photography
